The Whitney Road covered bridge, officially named the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Covered Bridge, has undergone significant reconstruction efforts. The project faced several challenges leading to cost adjustments. Initially estimated at $2.4 million for construction by Suburban Maintenance & Construction Inc., the total rose by 5% to $2.5 million due to work delays. Additionally, CT Consultants, the construction manager, saw a 25% increase in their fee from $202,074 to $252,074. Delays were primarily attributed to design discrepancies, including incorrect rebar sizes and inconsistent arch attachment details. These issues caused a project-wide shutdown and required additional work such as removing plates and changing bolts in the bridge arches.
Cost Increases and Design Issues
The reconstruction of the historic bridge encountered various setbacks that led to increased expenses. The primary contractor, Suburban Maintenance & Construction Inc., experienced higher-than-expected costs mainly due to delays. These delays added 50 calendar days to the project timeline, significantly impacting the budget. The initial design plans contained inaccuracies, particularly with rebar specifications and arch attachment methods, necessitating extensive revisions and modifications. This resulted in a temporary halt of the entire project, adding to the overall expenditure.
In detail, the design flaws identified by CT Consultants included incorrect sizes and insufficient quantities of rebar, which are steel reinforcing rods used within concrete structures. This discrepancy led to a complete shutdown of the project until corrections could be made. Furthermore, the design plans provided inconsistent instructions on how to attach the arches to the bridge, causing further complications. Suburban had to remove certain plates that were incorrectly installed according to later clarifications from the engineering firm. Additional tasks, like modifying the type of bolts used in the arches, also contributed to the rising costs. Despite these challenges, some expenses were reduced, such as using smaller traffic light poles and painting steel beams on-site instead of in a shop.
Additional Safety Measures and Funding Sources
Beyond the structural changes, safety enhancements were implemented during the reconstruction. Extra handrails were added along the all-purpose trail adjacent to the bridge walkway. These additions aimed to improve pedestrian safety and comply with modern standards. The city requested extending the rail further along the trail and adding an extra rail on both sides for enhanced protection.
Funding for this substantial project came from multiple sources. The Ohio Department of Transportation contributed $1 million, while Cleveland Metroparks provided an additional $50,000. The bridge, originally built in 1983, was in poor condition when inspected in March 2020. Structural deficiencies, including a deteriorated steel beam, necessitated comprehensive repairs. The reconstruction involved replacing the steel beam support and wooden covering, repairing and reusing abutments, and updating traffic signals on both sides of the bridge. The completed project ensures the bridge remains a functional and safe landmark for future generations.